Albion: It Was In The Month Of May I

Albion returns with It Was In The Month Of May I, and from the very first moments, it’s clear this is a band leaning fully into its identity.

After an acoustic opening that delivers medieval-style vocals and beautiful melodies, the album slowly opens its doors and invites you into its world rather than rushing you in. It’s an atmospheric and intentional start that sets the tone for everything that follows.

“The Green Knight� is where things truly come alive. This is a modern progressive folk gem that feels deeply inspired by Jethro Tull, bringing together pristine flute work, sharp guitar playing, and a rhythm section that never sits still. The vocal approach stands out, especially the male and female harmonies that at times recall a cleaner, more melodic version of Mikael Åkerfeldt. The instrumental mid section alone makes this one worth revisiting multiple times.

“Down With The Hero� continues the storytelling approach, but with a slightly more accessible edge. Here, the vocal melodies take center stage, sitting comfortably in front of the instrumentation. The flute holds back until later in the track, making its entrance feel more intentional, leading into a brief and tasteful guitar solo before returning to those warm, layered harmonies that again echo that classic Songs From The Wood era spirit.

With “The Eldest (Tom Bombadil),� Albion fully embraces its medieval-folk side. Drawing from The Lord of the Rings lore, the band delivers a piece that feels lifted straight out of the Shire. It’s light, charismatic, and rooted in storytelling, with the flute and acoustic guitars once again guiding the way. The influence of Jethro Tull is undeniable, but it comes across as homage rather than imitation.

That connection continues with “She Is The River (Goldberry),� where the band dives even deeper into that late 70s folk-prog sound. There’s a sense of reverence here, but also confidence. Albion isn’t copying a formula, they’re carrying it forward, adding their own voice while honoring that unmistakable style.

“Hymn To Elbereth� brings a more mystical and reflective moment to the album. Inspired by the Star-Queen figure from Tolkien lore, the track delivers beauty and atmosphere, even if it doesn’t quite reach the same heights as some of the stronger pieces surrounding it.

“Cherry Hill (Maya II)� shifts gears into a softer, more introspective space. The vocal delivery here brings to mind Marco Glühmann, particularly in phrasing and tone. Musically, it leans closer to the solo work of Ian Anderson (something in the vein of The Secret Language of Birds) rather than the more forest-driven Tull sound heard earlier in the album.

Closing track “Calan Mai� is the album’s epic statement. Stretching past the ten-minute mark, it captures everything Albion does well: dynamic rhythms, strong storytelling, rich vocal harmonies, and standout performances across the board. The instrumental sections breathe, build, and resolve in a way that feels earned, culminating in a powerful and memorable finish.

In the end, It Was In The Month Of May I feels like a clear step forward. Albion leans away from the metallic edges of their debut and fully embraces their folk roots, and the result is a more cohesive and confident record.

This is a band that sounds like it knows exactly where it’s going…and more importantly, how to get there… they’re not just passing through the scene, they’re here to grow, evolve, and carve out their own space… cheers!

Track listing
1. Mis Mai (3:18)
2. The Green Knight (8:35)
3. Down With The Hero (5:47)
4. Eldest (Tom Bombadil) (8:08)
5. She Is The River (Goldberry) (5:15)
6. Hymn To Elbereth (4:10)
7. Cherry Hill (Maya II) (6:26)
8. Calan Mai (10:22)

Added: April 16th 2026
Reviewer: Jose Antonio Marmol
Score:
Related Link: Albion @ bandcamp
Hits: 127
Language: english

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